Jaipur: May 1, 2026 — Riyan Parag’s hopes of earning India colours once again have begun looking bleak with Rajasthan Royals skipper continuing his dismal run in IPL 2026. The 24-year-old all-rounder, who made waves on the national stage with a brilliant IPL 2024 season, is now under scrutiny at absolutely the wrong time.
Parag has scored only 81 runs in seven matches at a miserable average of 13.50 and with a strike rate of 117.39, his highest score being just 20 against Lucknow Super Giants this season. It’s a far cry for a player that had made selectors sit up take notice with 573-run blitz in IPL 2024. Republic World
The skipper himself hinted at personal battles behind the scenes, revealing he had “gone through something” just ahead of the tournament and that phase was still continuing even on to the season. Those around him have rallied in his support, but the statistics tell a different and tough tale. Wionews
Royal Challengers head coach Kumar Sangakkara has backed his skipper to the hilt, saying he is “batting really well” and just needs a few more runs to regain his confidence and explosiveness at the death. Batting coach Vikram Rathour has also insisted that it is a temporary phase, pointing out that Parag remains grounded and works hard in the training sessions. Republic WorldDevdiscourse
However, national selectors might not have the same patience as the franchise. After missing a smattering of tours—India’s series in South Africa and the home series against England—to undergo shoulder surgery, Parag had returned to IPL 2025 hoping that the tournament can serve as a launchpad back into the Indian T20I setup. Now that opportunity is in jeopardy of getting even farther away. Cricket Addictor
Cricket observers have noted the irony. Parag’s exceptional season in IPL 2024 led him to earn a national call-up for T20I and ODIs, within a month. The same stage that brought him national acclaim could now be the very thing that turns his return into a worm. IPL T20
Parag has spoken previously about the on-and-off cycles of his career admitting he has had terrible three-to-four year phases at domestic level and in the IPL and wants to return as a better cricketer. The defining question of his IPL 2026 season, however, is whether he can find that big innings soon enough to keep the selectors watching — and not looking elsewhere. Cricket Addictor
With the business end of the tournament closing in, Parag has little time left to turn his season into a compelling national team case.
